The Five Boroughs

New York City is made up of five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Each one has enough attractions—and enough personality—to be a city all its own. Learn more about them with this guide.

Red Hook Lobster Pound. Photo: Julienne Schaer

Red Hook Lobster Pound284 Van Brunt St., 718-858-7650Brooklyn Crab24 Reed St., 718-643-2722Kevin’s277A Van Brunt St., 718-596-8335
Given Red Hook’s proximity to the waterfront, it’s not surprising that some of the City’s freshest and most charming seafood eateries are in the neighborhood. For one of the top lobster rolls in town, check out the Red Hook Lobster Pound. Co-owner Ralph Gorham makes regular pilgrimages to Maine to bring just-caught lobster directly from boat to City, eschewing crustaceans that have been held onshore for too long. The rolls at this casual Red Hook joint are served three ways: cold and dressed with mayo, celery and spices (Maine style) or with basil vinaigrette (Tuscan style), or hot with melted butter (Connecticut style). The Pound also offers shrimp rolls, soups—a killer lobster bisque and New England clam chowder—and full-on lobster dinners. The newer kid on the block, Brooklyn Crab, is located just off the water. Head to the third-floor, open-air patio to enjoy the amazing views while dining on fresh seafood, simply prepared: plump oysters, steamer clams, Dungeness crab, snow crab legs and steamed Maine lobster. Meanwhile, Kevin’s offers a broad, seafood-inspired menu—at brunch, the eggs Chesapeake is a riff on a classic Benedict, replacing ham with crab cakes. At dinner, Raffetto's pappardelle has shrimp and scallops tossed in a light lobster cream sauce.